Undulating Motion Infant Support Structure

ABSTRACT

An infant support structure includes a base member and a seat pivotally coupled to the base member. The seat includes an inner surface defining a receiving area configured for supporting a child and an outer surface. An engagement member is coupled to the outer surface of the seat. A drive member is rotatably coupled to the base member and in engagement with the engagement member. One of the engagement member and the drive member includes an undulated surface so that the seat rocks back and forth relative to the base member as the drive member rotates.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/390,813, entitled “Undulating Motion Infant Support Structure”, filed Oct. 7, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an infant support structure, and in particular an infant support structure including a seat that rocks back and forth upon rotation of an undulated drive member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various infant support structures for supporting an infant or child above a support surface are known. Some such infant support structures are configured so that the child may move or bounce while being supported therein, such as a bouncer or a swing. However, the particular movement of such infant support structures is limited, and sometimes insufficient to soothe the child. As a result, a parent or caregiver may resort to other means to pacify or entertain the child. One such means known to caregivers involves driving the child in a vehicle, which typically provides for a gentle bumping or rocking motion as the vehicle moves. Further, bumping “road noise” (e.g. generated as the wheels of the vehicle contact bumps or uneven surfaces on the road) may also soothe the child as the vehicle moves. However, driving a vehicle to soothe or pacify a child is, at best, highly impractical.

Thus, there is a need for an infant support structure that facilitates different movements of a child supported by the structure. In addition, there is a need for an infant support structure that simulates the feel of riding in a vehicle for the child.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an infant support structure including a base member, and a seat assembly pivotally coupled to the base member. The seat includes an inner surface defining a receiving area configured for supporting a child, and an outer surface. An engagement member is coupled to the outer surface of the seat. A drive member is rotatably coupled to the base member and in engagement with the engagement member. One of the engagement member and the drive member includes an undulated surface, so that the seat rocks back and forth relative to the base member as the drive member rotates.

In one embodiment, the drive member is a wheel including an undulated surface. In one implementation, the wheel rotates about a first axis in a first direction, and the engagement member rotates about a second axis in a second direction opposite the first direction. In one implementation, the first axis is substantially parallel to the second axis.

In one embodiment, the engagement member is rotatably coupled to the outer surface of the seat. In one implementation, the engagement member has a generally cylindrical configuration.

In one embodiment, the drive member is detachably coupled to the base member. In one implementation, the drive member is a first drive member, and the undulated surface of the first drive member has a first configuration. A second drive member is rotatably coupleable to the base member. The second drive member has an undulated surface having a second configuration different than the first configuration.

The present invention also relates to an infant support structure including a base member and a seat. The base member includes an underside configured for engaging a supporting surface and an opposing upper side. The seat is coupled to the upper side of the base member, and movable between a first position and a second position relative to the base member. The seat includes a back portion and a bottom portion. An engagement member is rotatably coupled to an outer surface of the back portion of the seat. A drive wheel is rotatably coupled to the upper side of the base member, and engages the engagement member. The drive wheel includes an undulated surface so that the seat is moved back and forth between its first and second positions as the drive wheel rotates.

In one embodiment, the engagement member is rotatable about a first axis, and the seat is rotatable about a second axis relative to the base member. The first axis is substantially parallel to the second axis. In one implementation, the support structure also includes a motor coupled to the base member, the drive wheel being rotatable via the motor.

In one embodiment, the bottom portion of the seat includes a distal end portion and an interface portion coupled to the back portion. In one implementation, the seat is pivotally coupled to the base member proximate the distal end portion thereof. In another implementation, the seat is pivotally coupled to the base member proximate the interface portion thereof.

The present invention is also directed to an infant support structure including a base member, a seat including an inner surface defining a receiving area configured for supporting a child and an outer surface. The seat is pivotally coupled to the base member and rotatable about a first axis. An engagement member is rotatably coupled to the outer surface of the seat and rotatable about a second axis. A drive member is rotatably coupled to the base member and rotatable about a third axis. The drive member engages the engagement member. Rotation of the drive member about the third axis causes the engagement member to rotate about the second axis and the seat to rotate about the first axis. In one implementation, the first, second and third axis are substantially parallel.

In one embodiment, at least one of the engagement member and the drive member has an undulated surface. The seat pivots between a first position and a second position as the drive member rotates.

In one embodiment, the infant support structure also includes a toy bar coupled to the seat and rotatable about a fourth axis. The fourth axis is substantially parallel to the third axis.

In one embodiment, at least one of the drive member and the seat is detachably coupled to the base member.

In one embodiment, the seat is pivotally coupled to the base member. The weight of the seat biases the engagement member against the drive member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an infant support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates another perspective view of the infant support structure of FIG. 1 without a liner in an infant receiving area;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the infant support structure of FIG. 1 with portions shown in phantom;

FIG. 4 illustrates a fragmentary perspective view of a rear portion of the infant support structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A illustrates an elevational view of an exemplary drive member for use with the infant support structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5B illustrates an elevational view of another exemplary drive member for use with the infant support structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates a fragmentary perspective view of a bottom portion of the infant support structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of an infant support structure according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a fragmentary perspective view of a rear portion of the infant support structure of FIG. 7, showing the seat assembly in a rest position; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a fragmentary perspective view of the rear portion of the infants support structure of FIG. 7, showing the seat assembly pivoted upwardly.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation.

The terms “infant support structure” and “support structure” may be used interchangeably herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates an infant support structure S1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The support structure S1 includes a base member 100 including an underside 102 configured for engaging a supporting surface G and an opposing upper side 104, and a seat assembly 200 movably coupled to the base member 100.

Referring to FIG. 2, the base member 100 includes a front portion 106, a rear portion 108, and a central portion 110 intermediate and interconnecting the front portion 106 and the rear portion 108. In one embodiment, the front portion 106 includes spaced foot members 112, 114, and the rear portion 108 includes spaced foot members 116, 118 (shown in FIG. 3). The front portion 106 may include an elongate portion 120 having opposing ends 122, 124, with the foot members 112, 114 coupled to the opposing ends 122, 124, respectively. Similarly, the rear portion 108 may include an elongate portion 126 having opposing ends, with the foot members 116, 118 coupled to the opposing ends of the elongate portion 126.

In one embodiment, each foot member 112, 114, 116, 118 is configured to resemble half of a wheel. Thus, the base member 100 is stylized to provide an automotive theme for the support structure S1. In other embodiments, other themes may be provided (e.g. a horse theme, a space ship theme, an underwater theme, etc.).

The front portion 106 includes a control panel 128 with a plurality of control buttons thereon. For example, the support structure may include audio output, such as songs, music and/or sound effects, via one or more associated speakers (not shown). The control panel 128 includes an on/off button and a volume adjust button for controlling the audio output. In addition, the control panel includes movement control buttons (described in further detail below).

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the seat assembly 200 includes a receiving area 202 configured for supporting an infant or child. The seat assembly 200 includes a frame 204 including a back rest portion 206, a seat bottom portion 208, and opposing side portions 210, 212 extending between and coupled to the back rest portion 206 and the seat bottom portion 208. An inner surface 214 of the back rest portion 206 and an inner surface 216 of the seat bottom portion 208 partially define the receiving area 202. The side portions 210, 212 may be generally disposed between and interconnecting a distal end portion 218 of the back rest portion 206 and a distal end portion 220 of the seat bottom portion 208. The side portions 210, 212 and the end portions 218, 220 may define or include an upper edge or lip 222.

A flexible liner 224, such as a fabric liner, is disposed within the receiving area 202, as shown in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the liner 224 extends around is coupled to the lip 222 defined by the side portions 210, 212 and the end portions 218, 220, such as via an elastic fit, snaps, clips, etc.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment a toy bar 300 is coupled to the opposing side portions 210, 212 proximate to the end portion 218 of the back rest portion 206. The toy bar 300 may be pivotally coupled to the seat assembly 200, and rotatable about an axis A1 (shown in FIG. 2). The toy bar 300 includes one or more entertainment elements, such as a toy car 302, toy keys 304, and/or a minor 306 movably coupled thereto. The toy car 302 and toy keys 304 may be coupled to the toy bar 300 via associated cords or tethers 308, 310, respectively. The minor 306 may be coupled directly to the toy bar 300. Thus, the entertainment elements (e.g. 302, 304, 306) may have a particular theme, such as an automotive theme. In other embodiments, alternative or additional entertainment elements may be provided.

Referring to FIG. 3, the back rest portion 206 includes an outer surface 226 opposite the inner surface 214 thereof, and the seat bottom portion 208 includes an outer surface 228 opposite the inner surface 216 thereof. The back rest portion 206 is coupled to the seat bottom portion 208 at an interface area 230. In one embodiment, the seat assembly 200 is pivotally coupled to the base member 100 proximate to the interface area 230 between the back rest portion 206 and the seat bottom portion 208. For example, a bracket 232 may be coupled to and extend outwardly from the outer surface 228 of the seat bottom portion 208 proximate to the interface area 230. The bracket 232 includes a distal end portion 234, which is coupled to a correspondingly configured portion of the base member 100 via a fastener (e.g. a rod or pins). The distal end portion 234 is movably coupled to the base member 100, so that the seat assembly 200 is rotatable about an axis A2 in opposing directions D1, D2.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an engagement member 236 is coupled to the outer surface 226 of the back rest portion 206. In one embodiment, the engagement member 236 has a generally cylindrical configuration. The engagement member 236 is rotatably coupled to the outer surface 226 of the back rest portion 206, and rotatable about an axis A3.

A drive assembly 240 is coupled to the base member 100. The drive assembly 240 includes a drive member 242 and a drive mechanism, such as a motor 244. The drive member 242 is rotatable relative to the base member 100 via actuation of the motor 244, and rotatable about an axis A4. In one embodiment, the drive member 242 is configured as a wheel, having a generally cylindrical configuration, with an undulated surface 246 (shown schematically in FIG. 4).

The undulated surface 246 of the drive member 242 is in engagement with the engagement member 236. The engagement member 236 maintains contact with the undulated surface 246 of the drive member 242. The engagement member 236 is rotated by the drive member 242 as the drive member 242 rotates due to frictional forces thereby. Thus, one or both the engagement member 236 and the drive member 242 may be formed from a material that increases the frictional forces therebetween (e.g. rubber) and/or may include a textured or rough surface to increase the frictional forces therebetween.

In one embodiment, the pivot point (axis A2) between the seat assembly 200 and the base member 100 is located so that the weight of the seat assembly 200 biases the engagement member 236 against the drive member 242. Alternatively or in addition, the engagement member 236 may be biased against the drive member 242 via a resilient member, such as a spring. For example, a resilient member may be disposed between the outer surface 228 of the seat bottom portion 208 and the base member 100, so that the seat assembly 200 is biased about its rotational axis A2 in direction D2.

The seat assembly 200 is pivotally moveable in directions D1, D2 between an initial rest position and a forward position as the drive member 242 rotates. In the rest position, the engagement member 236 is engaging a trough in the undulated surface 246 of the drive member 242. In the forward position, the engagement member 236 has been pushed forward by and is engaging a crest of the undulated surface 246. Thus, the seat assembly 200 rocks back and forth about is axis of rotation A2 and relative to the base member 100.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the axis A4 about which the drive member 242 rotates is substantially parallel to the axis A3 about which the engagement member 236 rotates. As the drive member 242 rotates about its axis A4 in a direction D3, the engagement member 236 is thereby caused to rotate about its axis A3 in an opposite direction D4. Further, the seat assembly 200 is caused to rotate about its axis A2, pivoting back and forth in an undulating motion in directions D1, D2.

In one embodiment, the rotational axis A2, A3, A4 are substantially parallel to each other. Further, the axis A1 about which the toy bar 300 rotates may be substantially parallel to the rotational axis A2, A3 and/or A4. The engagement member 236 is pushed forward and then moves back as it rolls over the crests and troughs of the undulated surface 246 of the drive member 242. Thus, the distance between the axis of rotation A3, A4 fluctuates as the engagement member 236 and the drive member 242 rotate. As a result of the rotational movements of the engagement member 236 and the drive member 242, the receiving area 202 of the seat assembly 200 rocks back and forth relative to the base member 100 as the drive member 242 rotates.

In one embodiment, the support structure S1 may be supplied with two or more interchangeable drive members, each being interchangeably coupleable to the motor 244 on the base member 100. For example and with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a first drive member 242A may have a first configuration C1, and a second drive member 242B may have a second configuration C2 different than the first configuration C1. The first configuration C1 of the first drive member 242A has an undulated surface 246A with relatively high and widely spaced crests 250A between troughs 252A. By contrast, the second drive member 242B has an undulated surface 246B with relative low and narrowly spaced crests 250B between troughs 252B. The first drive member 242A thereby provides for fewer undulations but with a greater range of motion compared to the motion caused by the second drive member 242B. Thus, the frequency of the back and forth motion of the seat assembly 200, as well as the range of rocking or swinging motion, may be selectively adjusted and controlled by selecting the configuration (e.g. C1 or C2) of the drive member (e.g. 242A or 242B) for engagement with the engagement member 236.

Further, the frequency of the back and forth motion of the seat assembly 200 may be alternatively or additionally controlled by controlling the speed of rotation of the drive member 242. As the speed of rotation of the drive member 242 about its axis A4 increases, the frequency of back and forth motion of the seat assembly 200 increases (over a given period of time).

In other embodiments, the drive member 242 may have a substantially smooth surface, while the engagement member 236 has an undulated surface. Alternatively, both the drive member 242 and the engagement member 236 may have undulated surfaces. Alternatively, one or both of the engagement member 236 and/or the drive member 242 may have an oval or other non-circular configuration, thereby causing an undulating or rocking motion by the seat assembly 200. The uneven or undulated surface 246 of the drive member 242 and/or engagement member 236 causes the seat assembly to pivot between a rest position and its forward position.

Actuation of the motor 244, and thus initiation of the rocking motion of the seat assembly 200, may be controlled by the user via the control panel 128 (shown in FIG. 1). For example, power to the motor 244 may be controlled by depressing the on/off button on the control panel 128. Rotation of the motor 244 may then be commenced or stopped by depressing a motion control button. The speed of rotation of the drive member 242 may be further controlled by depressing a speed control button and/or via the up/down (e.g. +/−) buttons. Audio output may also be controlled via depression of an audio button and/or the up/down buttons. The rocking motion and/or audio output may be stopped by again depressing the corresponding buttons and/or by again depressing the on/off button.

The audio output and motor 244 may be powered via batteries. As shown in FIG. 6, the base member 100 may include a battery compartment and correspondingly configured battery door 103 disposed on the underside 102 thereof. Alternatively or in addition, the support structure S1 may be operated using an external power source via an associated power cord.

An infant support structure S2 according to another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 7. Similar to infant support structure S1, infant support structure S2 includes a base member 500 including an underside 502 configured for engaging a supporting surface G and an opposing upper side 504, and a seat assembly 600 movably coupled to the base member 500.

The base member 500 may be similarly configured to base member 100. Thus, the base member 500 includes a front portion 506, a rear portion 508, and a central portion 510 intermediate and interconnecting the front portion 506 and the rear portion 508. Spaced foot members 512 are provided on the front and rear portions 506, 508, as described above.

The seat assembly 600 defines a receiving area 602 configured for supporting an infant or child. A flexible liner 604 is disposed within the receiving area 602. A toy bar 700 is pivotally coupled to the seat assembly 600.

Referring to FIG. 8, the seat assembly 600 includes a back rest portion 606 having an outer surface 608, and a seat bottom portion 610 having an outer surface 612. In one embodiment, the back rest portion 606 is pivotally coupled to the seat bottom portion 610. As shown in FIG. 9, the seat assembly 600 is pivotally coupled to the base member 500 proximate to a distal end portion 612 of the seat bottom portion 610, and proximate to the front portion 506 of the base member 500. Thus, the pivot point of the seat assembly 600 relative to the base member 500 is further forward, or closer to the front portion 506 of the base member 500, compared to the location of the corresponding pivot point of the seat assembly 200 of the infant support structure S1.

With continued reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the infant support structure S2 also includes an engagement member 614 rotatably coupled to the outer surface 608 of the back rest portion 606. The engagement member 614 may have a generally cylindrical configuration. A drive assembly 514 is coupled to the base member 500, as described above. Accordingly, the drive assembly 514 includes a drive member 516 and a drive mechanism 518, such as a motor. Actuation of the drive mechanism 518 causes the drive member 516 to rotate.

The drive member 516 is configured to resemble an automobile wheel, and includes an undulated surface 520. The undulated surface 520 of the drive member 516 engages the engagement member 614, so that the seat assembly 600 is pushed forward by the crests or raised portions on the undulated surface 520 (configured to resemble a tire tread). Thus, the seat assembly 200 rocks back and forth via engagement between the engagement member 614 and the undulated surface 520 of the drive member 516.

Actuation of the drive mechanism 518 (e.g. a motor), and thus initiation of the rocking motion of the seat assembly 600, may be controlled by the user via controls, such as the control panel 128 described above. Further, the infants support structure S2 may include additional audio and/or visual (e.g. lights) output.

Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims. 

1. An infant support structure, comprising: a base member; a seat pivotally coupled to the base member, the seat including an inner surface defining a receiving area configured for supporting a child and an outer surface; an engagement member coupled to the outer surface of the seat; a drive member rotatably coupled to the base member and in engagement with the engagement member, one of the engagement member and the drive member including an undulated surface so that the seat rocks back and forth relative to the base member as the drive member rotates.
 2. The infant support structure of claim 1, wherein the drive member is a wheel including an undulated surface.
 3. The infant support structure of claim 1, wherein the engagement member is rotatably coupled to the outer surface of the seat.
 4. The infant support structure of claim 3, wherein the engagement member has a generally cylindrical configuration.
 5. The infant support structure of claim 3, wherein the drive member is a wheel, the wheel rotating about a first axis in a first direction, and the engagement member rotating about a second axis in a second direction opposite the first direction.
 6. The infant support structure of claim 5, wherein the first axis is substantially parallel to the second axis.
 7. The infant support structure of claim 1, wherein the drive member is detachably coupled to the base member.
 8. The infant support structure of claim 7, wherein the drive member is a first drive member, the undulated surface of the first drive member having a first configuration, further comprising: a second drive member rotatably coupleable to the base member, the second drive member having an undulated surface having a second configuration different than the first configuration.
 9. An infant support structure, comprising: a base member including an underside configured for engaging a supporting surface and an opposing upper side; a seat coupled to the upper side of the base member and pivotable between a first position and a second position relative to the base member, the seat including a back portion and a bottom portion; an engagement member rotatably coupled to an outer surface of the back portion of the seat; a drive wheel rotatably coupled to the upper side of the base member and engaging the engagement member, the drive wheel including an undulated surface so that the seat is moved back and forth between its first and second positions as the drive wheel rotates.
 10. The infant support structure of claim 9, wherein the engagement member is rotatable about a first axis, and the seat is pivotable about a second axis relative to the base member, the first axis substantially parallel to the second axis.
 11. The infant support structure of claim 9, further comprising a motor coupled to the base member, the drive wheel rotatable via the motor.
 12. The infant support structure of claim 9, wherein the bottom portion of the seat includes a distal end portion and an interface portion coupled to the back portion.
 13. The infant support structure of claim 12, wherein the seat is pivotally coupled to the base member proximate the distal end portion thereof.
 14. The infant support structure of claim 12, wherein the seat is pivotally coupled to the base member proximate the interface portion thereof.
 15. An infant support structure, comprising: a base member; a seat including an inner surface defining a receiving area configured for supporting a child and an outer surface, the seat pivotally coupled to the base member and rotatable about a first axis; an engagement member rotatably coupled to the outer surface of the seat and rotatable about a second axis; a drive member rotatably coupled to the base member and rotatable about a third axis, the drive member engaging the engagement member, wherein rotation of the drive member about the third axis causes the engagement member to rotate about the second axis and the seat to rotate about the first axis.
 16. The infant support structure of claim 15, wherein the first, second and third axes are substantially parallel.
 17. The infant support structure of claim 15, wherein at least one of the engagement member and the drive member has an undulated surface, so that the seat pivots between a first position and a second position as the drive member rotates.
 18. The infant support structure of claim 15, further comprising a toy bar coupled to the seat and rotatable about a fourth axis, the fourth axis substantially parallel to the third axis.
 19. The infant support structure of claim 15, wherein at least one of the drive member and the seat is detachably coupled to the base member.
 20. The infant support structure of claim 15, wherein the seat is pivotally coupled to the base member so that a weight of the seat biases the engagement member against the drive member. 